Published: Monday, May 26, 2014 at 11:42 PM.

Photo Galleries

Three hundred flags were placed, 284 names were read, however, the array of emotions felt on Memorial Day is immeasurable.

Nearly 80 people gathered around the Veterans section of Oak Ridge Cemetery on Monday as American Legion Post No. 379 held its eighth annual Memorial Day Service.

Prayer was given, the pledge recited and names of the fallen were read as the American flag blew overhead. This is an important day for Post No. 379 after a month of planning. Twenty-two members participated by reading a letter from a fallen soldier, a poem or showing their support by attendance.

“Because of the ones that give us this freedom we have,” said Clarence Thigpen, commander of American Legion Post 379 in Pink Hill, “it’s an honor for us to do anything to recognize that, no matter what branch of service they were in or what era they served, they defended the freedom of this country, something that is very very sacred and all the millions of guys that had fallen, some are at the bottom of the ocean, the cemeteries throughout the world, we want to honor them and this is our way of doing it.”

Signs of expression were seen throughout the crowd as Genette Tate, chaplain of the Women’s Auxillary handed out red poppy flowers with a single slip of paper reading “In Memoriam 2014.”

The flowers were handmade by veterans. Tears were wiped and the playing of taps marked an essential moment for many as they reflected on the meaning of the day.

Lee Stroud, past commander of American Legion Post 379, wanted to remind people of the true meaning of the holiday.

Three hundred flags were placed, 284 names were read, however, the array of emotions felt on Memorial Day is immeasurable.

Nearly 80 people gathered around the Veterans section of Oak Ridge Cemetery on Monday as American Legion Post No. 379 held its eighth annual Memorial Day Service.

Prayer was given, the pledge recited and names of the fallen were read as the American flag blew overhead. This is an important day for Post No. 379 after a month of planning. Twenty-two members participated by reading a letter from a fallen soldier, a poem or showing their support by attendance.

“Because of the ones that give us this freedom we have,” said Clarence Thigpen, commander of American Legion Post 379 in Pink Hill, “it’s an honor for us to do anything to recognize that, no matter what branch of service they were in or what era they served, they defended the freedom of this country, something that is very very sacred and all the millions of guys that had fallen, some are at the bottom of the ocean, the cemeteries throughout the world, we want to honor them and this is our way of doing it.”

Signs of expression were seen throughout the crowd as Genette Tate, chaplain of the Women’s Auxillary handed out red poppy flowers with a single slip of paper reading “In Memoriam 2014.”

The flowers were handmade by veterans. Tears were wiped and the playing of taps marked an essential moment for many as they reflected on the meaning of the day.

Lee Stroud, past commander of American Legion Post 379, wanted to remind people of the true meaning of the holiday.

“This weekend is designed for those — created for those — who paid the ultimate sacrifice. The statement, ‘all gave some, some gave all,’ and that’s what it’s about,” Stroud said.

He also wanted to remind people the sacrifices that were made to try to keep this country free.

“For people it’s become a beach weekend and that’s wrong,” Stroud said.

Bruce Muslin II, who was a sergeant in the Marine Corps, agreed.

“It’s become a long weekend or party weekend instead of remembering those who gave them the freedom to go to the beach and party,” he said.

For those who do choose to recognize the fallen on Memorial Day, it’s any easy a choice.

“It’s always been special to me,” said Dorothy Rich who was there with her husband Melvin of Deep Run. “They served our country and we need to be proud of them,” she said.

Janet S. Carter can be reached at Janet.Carter@Kinston.com or 252-559-1084.